To: The Board of Directors, Singapore Airlines and Scoot

We, the undersigned concerned Singaporean citizens and loyal patrons of Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Scoot, respectfully urge SQ and Scoot to temporarily suspend the deputation of pilots from Air India until the causes of the tragic AI 171 crash on 12 June 2025 have been conclusively determined.

 
Aviation safety and brand integrity
Recent crash investigations into Air India flight AI 171: a Boeing 787 that tragically went down soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad—are probing potential issues such as improper flap or landing-gear configuration, engine problems, and pilot actions. 

Until the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and cooperating agencies (UK AAIB, US NTSB, India DGCA) complete their inquiry over the next 1–3 months, the root causes remain unknown en.wikipedia.org.

Singapore’s leading role in global aviation is built on meticulous standards, training, and brand reputation. Allowing widespread integration of pilots from an airline currently under safety scrutiny risks reputational harm if further findings suggest crew involvement.
 
Safeguarding national confidence
SQ and Scoot have benefited from strong trust among Singaporeans. This trust is earned through local excellence in pilot training, operational discipline, and safety culture.
The arrival of a large cohort of foreign-trained pilots, especially from an airline facing unanswered safety questions, may understandably erode public confidence, even if unintentional.
For Singapore to remain a model of aviation excellence, we must ensure our pilots, especially those at Scoot, meet the high educational, training, and cultural values upheld by SQ.
 
Strengthening local capability
Singapore Airlines and Scoot already have capable local talent pipelines.
We encourage SQ and Scoot to prioritize recruitment and training of locally trained pilots, including expanding cadet intake, simulator training slots, and pathways for regional feeder pilots.
This not only preserves the high standard of Singaporean aviation professionalism but also supports national workforce development.
 
A balanced and respectful proposal
Our petition is not about nationality or ethnicity. Our goal is to ensure aviation safety and maintain trust in Singapore’s airlines. We fully support SQ and Scoot’s long-term diversity and inclusion policies, and do not object to individual hires based on skill. Rather, we seek prudence in light of an unresolved and major safety incident.

 
Proposed action
Pause the deputation of Air India pilots to Scoot (and related services if any) until the AI 171 investigation is complete.
Reassess training and vetting protocols for any foreign pilot sources, ensuring equivalence with SQ/Scoot standards.
Continue and expand recruitment of local pilots, with transparent targets and timelines, to safeguard Singaporean expertise.
 
Conclusion
We remain proud supporters of Singapore Airlines’ global leadership in aviation and trust in the airline’s commitment to uphold the highest safety, training, and national confidence standards. Given the ongoing investigation into AI 171, we believe a temporary review and recalibration of pilot deputation is both prudent and responsible.

Thank you for your understanding and your unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.

 
Note on sources:

1) Investigations focus on possible flap/landing-gear misconfiguration or thrust/power issues and pilot error
2) Black boxes are still being analysed; full report expected within 3 months